Grant Will Put 10,000 Smoke Detectors In Indiana Homes

Smoke detectors are proven to save lives.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – The Indiana Department of Homeland Security says a $1.3 million federal grant will kickstart a statewide campaign to install 10,000 smoke detectors in Hoosier homes.

The grant announced December 11 will also enhance training and resources for Indiana first responders.

“These federal grants will help tremendously in our efforts to expand the resiliency of Indiana and help to mitigate disasters and loss of life,” said Bryan Langley, executive director of Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS).

In Indiana, more than 85 fatal fires have occurred so far in 2018, an increase from 72 deaths in 2017.

“The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s office is thrilled to have additional resources to really make a difference in protecting Hoosiers from fire-related hazards and death,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson. “Too many people are losing their lives tragically in fires in homes with no working smoke detectors. This is a problem we can and will address through this program.”

The Fire Prevention and Safety Grant will bring the state $521,130 a year for two years. It will fund programs to reduce injury and preventing fire deaths in high-risk populations. The goal will be to install more than 10,000 smoke detectors and 1,000 shaking bed/strobe alarms for deaf and hard of hearing across the next two years. In addition, the “Get Alarmed Indiana” campaign is intended to enhance public safety education related to fire hazards for Hoosiers.

About $372,000 from the Assistance to Firefighters Grant will help buy equipment, gear, vehicles and other resources for fire and EMS departments across the state.

The Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant of $401,236 will provide hazardous materials training and equipment for more than 820 Indiana fire departments.